George Lukács   George Lichtheim
Excellent overview of the thought and works of the 20^th-century Marxist aesthetician who was such a strong influence on the Frankfurt School and critical theory. Well written, succinct, and very informative.

The Lecturer’s Tale   James Hynes
Delightful, bizarre, imaginative send up of the machinations in an English department at a major university. Strange, interesting characters, a little fantasy and horror, and a lot of fun in a moral tale based on 18^th-century literature. Couldn’t put it down.

The Intellectual Construction of America: Exceptionalism and Identity From 1492 to 1800   Jack P. Greene
Excellent history of how the American colonies were viewed and portrayed during this period, especially the British colonies of North America. Lots of good information, especially about the first half of the 18^th century. Not so interested in the concept of American exceptionalism, at least how it’s used in the 21^st century. Well worth it.